What do you think?
Rate this book
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations
The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations has been long hailed as the most literary quotation book available, and the newest edition is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. Over 20,000 quotations from every era and every location bring you the wisdom of ages and the sound bites of today.
The text is a browser's paradise that allows the reader to identify who said what, and when, and where.
Here readers will find in one volume the wit and wisdom of humanity--the finest lines to be found from Shakespeare, the Bible, Mark Twain, Alan Greenspan, and hundreds of other writers, philosophers, political figures, and entertainers. This new edition contains over 200 new entries including
sixty-one quotable Americans. This updated sixth edition encompasses current trends in politics and culture with quotations such as "States like these constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world" (George Bush), and "It's a good thing" (Martha Stewart). Many other new
additions are older in origin, yet enlighten events of the twenty-first century.
Each illuminating entry contains in-depth details of the earliest traceable source, biographical cross-references, birth and death dates, and a career brief. With both a thematic and keyword index, scholars and readers thumbing through the book will easily be able to find quotations for all
occasions. Ranging from the profound, to cogent, to witty, these quotations will add spice to your writing and conversation. An ideal reference for any home or office library, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations is a perennial source of entertainment and inspiration for public speakers, writers, or
anyone else who enjoys a sparkling line or spirited reply.
The text is a browser's paradise that allows the reader to identify who said what, and when, and where.
Here readers will find in one volume the wit and wisdom of humanity--the finest lines to be found from Shakespeare, the Bible, Mark Twain, Alan Greenspan, and hundreds of other writers, philosophers, political figures, and entertainers. This new edition contains over 200 new entries including
sixty-one quotable Americans. This updated sixth edition encompasses current trends in politics and culture with quotations such as "States like these constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world" (George Bush), and "It's a good thing" (Martha Stewart). Many other new
additions are older in origin, yet enlighten events of the twenty-first century.
Each illuminating entry contains in-depth details of the earliest traceable source, biographical cross-references, birth and death dates, and a career brief. With both a thematic and keyword index, scholars and readers thumbing through the book will easily be able to find quotations for all
occasions. Ranging from the profound, to cogent, to witty, these quotations will add spice to your writing and conversation. An ideal reference for any home or office library, The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations is a perennial source of entertainment and inspiration for public speakers, writers, or
anyone else who enjoys a sparkling line or spirited reply.
1140 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1941
51 people are currently reading
1082 people want to read
About the author
Oxford University Press
2,085 books238 followersOxford University Press (OUP), a department of the University of Oxford, is the largest university press in the world. The university became involved in printing around 1480, becoming a major source of Bibles, prayer books and scholarly works. It took on the Oxford English Dictionary project in the late 19th century, and in order to meet the ever-rising costs of the work, it expanded into publishing children's books, school text books, music, journals, and the World's Classics series. OUP is committed to major financial support of the university and to furthering the university's excellence in scholarship, research and education through its publishing.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 14, 2010
4.0 stars. While it would not be accurate to say that I have "read" this entire book, I have been using it fairly extensively since I acquired it in 1991 as part of an 8 volume leather bound set from Easton Press called the "Complete Oxford Reference Set." I have found it to be an excellent reference tool that is both easy to use and comprehensive.
April 28, 2015
This is one of those books that I would never know if I had finished reading it because it’s not a book to read from cover to cover; but instead to dip into as and when the whimsy strikes. That’s also what makes it so much nicer to own a physical book with real pages like this sixth edition; simply because of its absolute immediacy in returning the rewarding results of random searching!
June 2, 2015
I have the Margaret Drabble edited Dictionary which I have owned since it was published - 25 or so years ago. I still use it as a prime source for references, for letters and writing and simply for browsing for the serendipity of finding an unfamiliar quotation. It is an excellent edition and I have found no reason to buy any later one.
December 5, 2014
An excellent reference to have at hand. It's a bit Euro- and UK-centric but it's not on the shelf alone so that shouldn't matter. Quite different from the Bartlett's Familiar Quotations that's so much more familiar to Americans, the ODQ emphasizes more formal sources.
July 6, 2023
"It is a good thing for a man of little education to read books of Quotations".---Winston Churchill
"Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings and desperate men".---John Donne, my favorite quotation at the moment
Since Churchill regarded his time at Sandhurst military academy as a complete waste of time, he was right about a man or woman needing a book like this, and it only fit and proper that this quote is included here. I much prefer THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS to the American BARLETT’S FAMILIAR QUOTATIONS precisely because of British eccentricity and unpredictability in picking just the right quote, not necessarily the most famous, to illustrate an illustrious figure or work of literature. From Tennessee Williams, and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, for example, we do not get "I have always relied on the kindness of strangers" but rather "Poker should not be played in a house with women!". The political philosophy of Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists, is contained in a succinct letter the man himself wrote to THE TIMES. "Dear Sir: I am not not now nor have I ever been a man of the right. I started out on left of politics and now find myself at the center". Richard Nixon is not represented by "I am not a crook" but the unhinged Nixon of his farewell address to the White House staff: "This nation needs good farmers...plumbers". Through the OXFORD DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS we also learn the origin of phrases have become a permanent fixture of the English language: "He is among those who is of the has-been", and "He has stolen my thunder". Quotations from non-English sources are published first in the original language then translated. I took particular delight in the Frenchman turned atheist who exclaimed, "Weep, my children, for heaven is empty and you have no more Father!". Don't worry folks. If you came to this volume you in search of Shakespeare and the King James Bible you will find an entry for every play from the Bard (a personal favorite is "Goodness to the vile seems vile. Filth savor but themselves" from OTHELLO) and nearly every book of the KJV, including the last quote attributed to Jesus: "Because thou art neither cold nor hot but as it were lukewarm I shall spew ye from my mouth". (REVELATION). A dictionary of quotations for learning, laughing, and impressing friends and enemies with your vast self-education.
"Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings and desperate men".---John Donne, my favorite quotation at the moment
Since Churchill regarded his time at Sandhurst military academy as a complete waste of time, he was right about a man or woman needing a book like this, and it only fit and proper that this quote is included here. I much prefer THE OXFORD DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS to the American BARLETT’S FAMILIAR QUOTATIONS precisely because of British eccentricity and unpredictability in picking just the right quote, not necessarily the most famous, to illustrate an illustrious figure or work of literature. From Tennessee Williams, and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, for example, we do not get "I have always relied on the kindness of strangers" but rather "Poker should not be played in a house with women!". The political philosophy of Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists, is contained in a succinct letter the man himself wrote to THE TIMES. "Dear Sir: I am not not now nor have I ever been a man of the right. I started out on left of politics and now find myself at the center". Richard Nixon is not represented by "I am not a crook" but the unhinged Nixon of his farewell address to the White House staff: "This nation needs good farmers...plumbers". Through the OXFORD DICTIONARY OF QUOTATIONS we also learn the origin of phrases have become a permanent fixture of the English language: "He is among those who is of the has-been", and "He has stolen my thunder". Quotations from non-English sources are published first in the original language then translated. I took particular delight in the Frenchman turned atheist who exclaimed, "Weep, my children, for heaven is empty and you have no more Father!". Don't worry folks. If you came to this volume you in search of Shakespeare and the King James Bible you will find an entry for every play from the Bard (a personal favorite is "Goodness to the vile seems vile. Filth savor but themselves" from OTHELLO) and nearly every book of the KJV, including the last quote attributed to Jesus: "Because thou art neither cold nor hot but as it were lukewarm I shall spew ye from my mouth". (REVELATION). A dictionary of quotations for learning, laughing, and impressing friends and enemies with your vast self-education.
June 30, 2019
The Oxford Dictionary of quotations serves as an excellent reference for one and all. Its quotations outshine those in other publications available in the field. In my opinion,these quotatios which are well-said by men of letters in the past, are worth-following by the seekers of knowledge and wisdom.
May 20, 2021
As someone else said "it is a fabulous dip into" One of those books that one probably never finishes reading. However, a worthy addition to my Oxford reference titles . A fine looking volume it is too, as Oxford publications tend to be...
January 28, 2021
Lovely book.
April 23, 2023
Love it; makes a great coffee table fixture.
February 22, 2025
whole fucking thing
August 9, 2021
Still hard to put down whenever I pick it up, even after 30 years.
February 13, 2025
A lively graveyard of assorted apophthegmz
February 3, 2022
Dont waste time on this book.
I think Goodreads should give an option of 'Dropped Book' along with standard options like Read, Currently-reading, etc.
I think Goodreads should give an option of 'Dropped Book' along with standard options like Read, Currently-reading, etc.
August 21, 2009
I've had this volume for decades. It is always good for picking up an appropriate quotation to make a point in my writing endeavors (although those have fallen off greatly because of my administrative responsibilities).
This is alphabetically organized from A (Lord Acton: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely") to Z (Emile Zola: "J'accuse, " or, in English, "I accuse"). The volume concludes with an extensive index, comprising hundreds of pags. Quotations fill nearly several hundred pages.
It is interesting to randomly thumb through pages (something that I do every so often, for the hidden pleasures thus experienced). For instance, George Washington: "Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."
Charles K. Harris: "Somewhere the sun is shining."
Napoleon: "England is a nation of shopkeepers" (in the original French, "L'Angleterre est une nation de boutiquiers.").
George Savile, Marquis of Halifax: "Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen."
Victor Cousin: "Art for art's sake" (In French, "L'art pour l'art").
Lady Anne Barnard: "When the sheep are in the fauld, when the cows come home, When a' the weary world to quiet rest are gone."
One could go on and on. Such volumes can delight, as one relives well know sayings or discovers new ones. The selections are arbitrary, no doubt, but the discovery that comes with perusal of the volume is most pleasing.
This is alphabetically organized from A (Lord Acton: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely") to Z (Emile Zola: "J'accuse, " or, in English, "I accuse"). The volume concludes with an extensive index, comprising hundreds of pags. Quotations fill nearly several hundred pages.
It is interesting to randomly thumb through pages (something that I do every so often, for the hidden pleasures thus experienced). For instance, George Washington: "Labour to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire, called conscience."
Charles K. Harris: "Somewhere the sun is shining."
Napoleon: "England is a nation of shopkeepers" (in the original French, "L'Angleterre est une nation de boutiquiers.").
George Savile, Marquis of Halifax: "Men are not hanged for stealing horses, but that horses may not be stolen."
Victor Cousin: "Art for art's sake" (In French, "L'art pour l'art").
Lady Anne Barnard: "When the sheep are in the fauld, when the cows come home, When a' the weary world to quiet rest are gone."
One could go on and on. Such volumes can delight, as one relives well know sayings or discovers new ones. The selections are arbitrary, no doubt, but the discovery that comes with perusal of the volume is most pleasing.
Read
November 20, 2016Knowles, E. (2014). Oxford dictionary of quotations. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Citation by: Jenni O'Guin
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 808.88
Content/Scope: A dictionary resource of over 20,000 quotations. This is the 8th edition, with over 700 new quotations added to this new addition.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Oxford University Press is the largest university press and the second oldest.
Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is alphabetical by author. With over 1100 pages, this hardcover book is cross-referenced with keyword index.
Relation to other works: This dictionary can be invaluable as students add quotations to their papers and want to answer the question of "who said that?" as it offers a quote for every occasion.
Accessibility/Diversity: This reference is slightly skewed toward the British culture.
Cost: $50.00
Professional Review: Vnuk, R. (2015). Booklist online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....
Citation by: Jenni O'Guin
Type of Reference: Dictionary
Call Number: Ref 808.88
Content/Scope: A dictionary resource of over 20,000 quotations. This is the 8th edition, with over 700 new quotations added to this new addition.
Accuracy/Authority/Bias: Oxford University Press is the largest university press and the second oldest.
Arrangement/Presentation: Arrangement is alphabetical by author. With over 1100 pages, this hardcover book is cross-referenced with keyword index.
Relation to other works: This dictionary can be invaluable as students add quotations to their papers and want to answer the question of "who said that?" as it offers a quote for every occasion.
Accessibility/Diversity: This reference is slightly skewed toward the British culture.
Cost: $50.00
Professional Review: Vnuk, R. (2015). Booklist online. Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com.libsrv....
February 6, 2015
Fascinating to read / refer to in conjunction with other editions of the ODQ; so as to track how the accepted canon of popular literature has changed over the decades. Especially useful for anyone writing historical fiction or researching historical fact. And yes, it does make for a good bedside book, albeit a rather unwieldy and heavy one. Yet as an e-book I'd miss the pleasure of the physical sense of browsing the (over a thousand) pages.
January 21, 2009
I've got to say that this is one of the most poorly organized books of quotations I've ever read. Most people want to look up quotations by subject, not author, which makes the Oxford Dictionary the opposite of what most people want, and actually difficult to find a precise quote you're looking for.
August 4, 2012
This is a book that needs to be on the 'on-going' shelf or bedside table. There's a quote for every mood and I find that it lifts my creative juices when I find myself in a dry corner. It has been sometime since I picked it up but right now it is at my feet!
Many months later ...
"Finished" somewhat - one can ever be finished with this!
Many months later ...
"Finished" somewhat - one can ever be finished with this!
November 24, 2012
No, I haven't read this book in its entirety.
But in the last 15 years or so, I've still kept coming back to it again and again.
Wether for a quick Latin or French quote, or a Shakespeare one, or any other kind of quote you might be interested in finding out about. This is a fun book to keep handy.
I sometimes just pull it off the shelf and open it randomly and let myself be amused and amazed.
But in the last 15 years or so, I've still kept coming back to it again and again.
Wether for a quick Latin or French quote, or a Shakespeare one, or any other kind of quote you might be interested in finding out about. This is a fun book to keep handy.
I sometimes just pull it off the shelf and open it randomly and let myself be amused and amazed.
September 16, 2016
This was part of my first order from Folio Society and has been a firm favourite ever since; whether I'm looking for the author of a favourite quotation, inspiration to express something myself, or just browsing while hanging on a call, or taking a break. The index makes it easy to hone in on an idea and explore it too.
November 11, 2010
This is the 1955 version of the familiar reference work and clearly illustrates the differences in literary influences and cultural touchstones as time passes. Still a good reference and an interesting document of changing intellectual tastes.
March 1, 2011
I own a lovely old second edition copy from 1953...and I simply adore it. A beautiful & simple guide when searching for some of the greatest sound bites ever produced by voice, or transcribed to paper by pen. I treasure this compilation.
February 6, 2015
This third edition is the first substantial revision since the first edition of 1941.
Brandon Thomas and Dylan Thomas have found their way in: "I'm Charley's aunt from Brazil - where the nuts come from".
October 26, 2007
Always use for reference - fun to peruse as well.
August 19, 2007
Old school quotations. Occasionally useful.
September 5, 2007
I love quotes...and my friend Ed with the quote Never let the past fetter the future - gave me this book as a gift. It came in handy when I needed a quote to start off an essay...
February 12, 2008
I want this book. I really do. This book contains everything you could possibly need to sound smart, witty, and informed.
I need it.
I need it.
March 16, 2008
Second edition. Revised and reset.
March 24, 2008
I've never been much of one for quote books, but I rather like this one - a very handsome edition.
March 28, 2009
If I'm ever asked to go anywhere with only one book, it will be this book. It's all the best pieces from just about every author that ever wrote
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews